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back again...

Hey great to be back – been back a week and playing catch up! Time escapes me upon return from trips, so much to do/share/follow-up/rejoice in/so many new ideas/so much to bring to the Lord!! I'm going to try to share a few stories over the next several days! Some may also be included in next months newsletter!

Here is a darling story about one of our MH Webuye children. "L" is an older girl, oldest of 3 sisters in our care. We took time to have the children write to their sponsors (letters will be coming soon if you are a sponsor) so this time she had a note with a name on it... she asked if she now had a sponsor. Well, Sam reminded her that last time we were there we asked everyone to pray (including guardians) that we would be able to find sponsors for ALL the children. With eyes wide she listened, remembering her prayers. What a privilege to tell her she now had a sponsor! Oh, I wish I could recapture the moment for you – an exuberant "yes" with an arm thrust, then a little happy dance, singing with joy!! Yes, sponsors – you make a difference!!!!!

We are pleased to bring in a few more children, since others have been sponsored!!

God is Good!!!

:p) deanna <><

pics of the signing 9/11/08

Thought you would enjoy these pics from the signing yesterday - Hallelujah!

Praying for the next big step, $30,000 by the end of the month! (in Kenya by the end of the month) we appreciate your prayers!!  God is good!  God is moving!  Praying for responsive hearts for the people God is talking to about giving toward property in Kenya :o)  Your prayers are powerful!!

For His Glory, deanna <><

CELEBRATION DAY!! SEPT. 11, 2008

September 11, 2008

This is a day for Miracle House to celebrate!!  Two years ago today, Miracle House Limuru, in Misri slum opened for the first day of caring for children!  We give God the glory for all he has done!  Miracles, salvations, provision, food, safety, education, singing, love, care, and joy are now part of the day for 25 children.  I pray blessing over the children and staff!  Thank you, to all of you who have made this possible!!

Today the contract for the property purchase was signed!  I phoned and joined them on speakerphone for a few minutes.  Knowing the usual question I find myself hearing from Pastor Sammy… “Do you have anything you would like to say/share?”  I was prepared!

Greetings, I would love to be with those of you assembled for this signing today.  We have prayed for this day to come.  I pray as you join together, you will all be motivated by the heart of God as together we meet the needs of the people.  May there be joy as we bring hope and healing to the hopeless and helpless!
*To the owner I want to say thank you (tears) we recognize the reduction of the purchase price and your willingness to pay some of the fees is a gift to the children.
*To the advocates as you represent two sides of the table, I pray your job will be easy as we are all working for the future of the needy children of Kenya.
*To Pastor Sammy, you have been amazing through this process. God has used you!  Although you are often the face of Miracle House, I know you recognize there are many people behind you making this possible!
*To my representatives, (a teacher and two children, Emily, Diana, & Ken), I pray this is a day you will see how God is working for you!  I pray you will return to Misri and humbly share about the adventures of your day, boldly share what God is doing, and faithfully pray for the next steps!!

My heart leaps with joy!  Tears flow, as we count the blessings!!

For His Glory, deanna <><

 

Today we are unveiling “The Road to Nakuru”  click the button on the home page of the website!! 

 

"James"

“James”

We first met James in January, 2008.  Part of our team was working on building the new church/Miracle House in Webuye.  The team was ‘something to see’ in the neighborhood and many of the children were around during the week.  What else was there to do?  There never is much to do, but this week was even more intense!  These were the weeks that the country was in turmoil due to post election political and tribal uprisings.  Most establishments were closed, supplies were not traveling across the country so availability was low, and danger was all around!! 

There he was, a little guy, very small in stature - approximately the size of a 4 or 5 year old - yet he moved like an older child.  We were told he is nine years old.  He has his adult teeth and sports quite an attitude!  We witnessed him hit some children and intimidate others right out of a chair that he wanted, just by standing there.  His body was covered with welt-type sores and scabs.  We were told he recently had a huge cyst in his mouth.  The locals told us they thought he was late stage HIV/AIDS, but we don’t know if he was ever tested.  We do know he was a child that was difficult to touch!

As we returned to the States in January we continued to pray for this boy, who at the time was known to us and as Tony.  We were told his name was Tony because he often wore a shirt that had the name Tony on it.

In June, I went back to Webuye with another team.  I was pleased to again see “Tony,”  but later we discovered his given name was James.  I have to confess I wondered between January and June if I would even see him again this side of heaven…

He was the same kid: often mean and angry, but other times sitting by himself, sometimes humming alone, as if in another world.  If I get near him he shrugs or pushes away when I stand next to him praying.  Yet he continues to come around the church.  I began to ask the Lord how to pray for him.

I want to note the major struggle we had as a team: the enemy wanted to keep us busy and distracted, his strategy to keep us from praying for James and his family.

The following is a list of revelations and experiences that lead up to a life changing prayer time for this boy –

*Individually, Samantha and I began to realize there was a spirit of infirmity on the child that had to be removed before the healing of the Lord could be received.

*Jeremy asked James if he could pray for him, and his response was, “I don’t need prayer, I need medicine.” At this point, Jeremy also sensed the spirit of infirmity.

*Sarah, a woman from the church, also sensed the same.  She prayed for him one day while Jeremy and Landon were at the church greeting guardians, and I was out purchasing supplies to open MH Webuye.  During her prayer he was thrown to the floor, flailing around. 

*During a conversation with Sarah, Jeremy, and Landon - James started singing in a very sweet young voice, very unlike the usual “Tony.”

*Landon shared a revelation related to his name, believing that we should call him by his given name “James” and no longer reference him as Tony.

*James and his 5 siblings were approved to become MH children. It was during this application/interview process we found his given name was James, and we also learned his mother was killed in Eldoret during the post-election political and tribal problems in January, 2008.

*Pastor Sammy had opportunity to pray for/with James’ father, Emmanuel, for salvation!  James’ father agreed to have the team pray for his family.

*Both Pastor Sammy and Pastor Dick (as well as a few others from the church) were there to pray together with us for the family and James.

*During the prayer time, we began by praying for the father and then the family.  As we began to pray for James, Pastor Dick actually picked him up and held him.  I cry even as I type this, remembering the moment of seeing Jesus’ love pouring out over this little guy.  Pastor Dick took him into his arms as Jesus would and James actually received the comfort and affection – resting in the embrace!

We prayed through all that had been revealed to us!  James repeated and renounced what we suggested about the infirmity and his healing.  Peace visibly washed over him.  As our time of prayer concluded, he seemed peaceful and calm.  I talked with the father and James himself about spiritual authority and how the enemy will come with lies and how to stand against his schemes!

At some point earlier in the day someone had brought our team a bag of fruit.  Rachael and Sam got that bag and gave it to the family, and they ate some right away with some of our granola bars from lunch.  By this time it was well into the evening, so we sent the family on their way with the remaining bag of fruit and more bars.

The next morning, we were to leave Webuye to return to Nakuru.  We stopped by Miracle House to have a few minutes with the children and staff on the opening day.  Due to bad roads, we had to park the van a distance from the building.  As we are walking, I was behind the others when I glanced down a converging path to see James walking with purpose and a spring in his step.  His shirt was tucked in, and he had a smile on his face!!  He was making his way to his first day at Miracle House!!  As he moved past me on the path, Jeremy held out his hand and they walked together hand in hand to Miracle House that morning.  This was an amazing experience for all of us because previously he would not let anyone touch him.  The difference in his countenance was amazing!  The visible physical healing was astounding!

A few days later, I received a text message from one of our staff in Webuye –
“James is now a good boy!”

James was set free!  The healing continues in James body!  It is for freedom we have been set free, and by His stripes we are healed!!  Jesus – the same yesterday, today, and forever!!  James - changed and set free forever!

see September 2008 Newsletter for before and after photos -

Ken -

Ken

You have met Joseph and Jane (through other writings), and Ken is the next oldest brother. 

I didn’t even know there were older brothers for the first year I knew Joseph and Jane.  In July of 07 we were prayer walking in the slum, and we came across Ken and Sammuel.  Then later in the week we were walking to a nearby church to have a children’s ministry time.  Walking along with us was Ken.  I began to question why we have Joseph and Jane and not Ken.  Joseph and Jane our ‘street kids’ literally pick up off the streets.  We met with their mother who had resurfaced after we had taken Joseph and Jane into care.  She told us that Ken would like to be MH kid but the oldest brother was not interested.  She also prayed to confess her sin and began a new life with Christ that day!

So Ken, who is now 13, became a Miracle House child – that was August ‘07.  For a couple of months I was told via email of his difficulty adjusting.  You see, he had not had any education, so for him to begin meant he had to start in our baby class and move up.  He had a difficult time adjusting to the loving environment where he was required to respect the other children, his teachers, and staff.  A boy in the slum learns to ‘survive’ and it’s not by being the nice guy.  When I visited in January of ’08, he had made significant improvement, thru the consistent love and prayers of the staff and other children.  Yet there were several times I’d see him pull away or step outside and “deal” quietly with his anger. 

It was my absolute joy to watch and interact with Ken on my latest trip June ’08!  He has now advanced to the highest class that we have at MH.  He is doing so well in English, as is his brother Joseph.  I can even have a conversation with them.  At one point the children were all working on a prayer journal project that we had brought, and Ken was singing praises quietly to himself as he worked.  A life transformed!  Glory to God!!

Joy in the journey, deanna <><

Joseph M ~ grandmum

Joseph M ~ grandmum

Our boy Joseph is doing so well - academically he’s in the top three of our MH kids!  He aspires to be a pilot.  During our most recent trip our team decided we would take the children and teachers to  a natural history museum in Nairobi.  It was a fun day for all!  For the drive into Nairobi I took him by the hand and put him in the front seat next to Jeremy, while referring to him as pilot!  Since our slum children would rarely have the opportunity to even be in a vehicle, this was a huge high point for him.

The next day we held our guardian meeting.  This was a very interesting time for me.  I’d met several of the guardians through the years, but this was indeed enlightening!  Even through my inability to understand what they were expressing in their Kikuyu language, I listened to the stories of their difficulties in obtaining the proper paperwork and watched some of these old grand moms get agitated over the process.

Later in the week Joseph M’s grandmum came to talk with us about her situation. Let me explain that one of my objectives for this trip was to empower these guardians to “get the paperwork!” This precious old woman stole my heart.  Here she is, living a half an hour outside of Nairobi, the hub of east Africa.  Yet she speaks only Kikuyu, not even Swahili and no English.  She had no money to get to the office where she will have to travel to obtain Joseph’s birth certificate.  We agreed to give her the five dollars worth of shillings it will take for her to visit the office.  As the staff was working with her they wrote a voucher for her to sign in order to take this money.  She kind of pushed back and hesitated.  I was observing at this point, and then I suddenly realized this sweet old woman did not even have the ability to write her own name.  My tears flowed!

She wants to give this wonderful boy a better chance in life.  I’m honored and humbled to be part of that for her and for him!  For the aspiring Pilot!  May he realize his dreams!!

For His Glory, Deanna <><

10:15 ~ twice this morning

In my years of friendship with Brian & Jeannie Brewer and working with Beautiful Feet International Ministries I’ve adopted a life habit.  It’s a reminder from Romans 10:15  Their ministry verse!

Romans 10:15

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Here is the challenge: at 10:15 each day I’m prompted to pray for a nation of the world!

So the other day while driving to California I heard my “event reminder” at 10:15 we were coming across the corner of Arizona headed for the Arizona/Nevada border ~ at the border crossing my phone changed time zone back to 9 something ~ then at 10:15 PST I was prompted to pray again when again my “event reminder” again said 10:15 – thought that was kinda fun ;-)
So be encouraged to be prompted to pray for the nations of the world at 10:15 each day.

Thank you for your prayers for Kenya and Miracle House!  Have a blessed day!

For His Glory, Deanna <><

Margaret - her story

Margaret-

This was a request for prayer that I sent out several weeks ago - Fall 07 – follow Margaret's story!

Warriors needed to stand in the gap for one of His/our precious Miracle House children.

Margaret: early reports, even last fall ('06), was that she had TB. We have prayed for her many times, and she was in and out of attendance at MH. As I touched and loved the children during my first visit to MH (Jan. 07), I was shocked when I touched Margaret. When I put my hands on her chest and back it felt as if there was a big diesel truck idling inside of her. We saw significant change when we were there in July! Her breathing was completely different, and the incredible rattle in her chest was gone! I believe she was healed from Tuberculosis!!

August I've just received information that she is again sick, and this time the report came from her mother (who is sick and dying from AIDs herself). Margaret is HIV positive. I've been told she is very sick!

Friends, God is healing and restoring children afflicted with HIV/AIDS all over the world! Please stand with me in prayer for Margaret.

Facts -

God is a Healing God! By His (Jesus) stripes we are healed! The healing is in the atonement! It is done, we must now receive it – join with me to lift this child! He is a miracle working God! She is under the blood of Jesus! She is a beloved child of God Almighty! A curse without a cause cannot light – she is an innocent child, and no decision of her own brought this to her! She is healed in Jesus precious and powerful name!! This devastating virus and all it's effects are eradicated in Jesus name! Margaret is healthy and whole, and Margaret can return to Miracle House. Margaret can praise the name of the Lord; Margaret is a testimony to her mom, to those around her, and to Misri Slum! Margaret is a testimony to those who pray!

The next note – Pastor Sammy says she has returned to MH. Please understand that there is no food for Margaret at "home;" if she doesn't come to MH, she will likely not eat. She, of all our children, travels one of the greatest distances. Her attendance at MH is necessary for her nutrition, but getting there is no small task. We are thrilled she is back!

The next note - Margaret is sick again. This time she has rashes all over her body, she has lost appetite, and she was carried home yesterday at 9am. The following is a note from me to Pastor Sammy- Dearest Pastor Sammy,

A few quick notes this morning before I run out the door for another day.

I've been longing to hold Margaret. Yesterday I asked God if He would do that for me, and last night in the middle of the night I pictured him holding her on his lap, loving her as only he can. I was praying for her:

*Praying off a spirit of death *Praying off fear of HIV-AIDS - proclaiming that she would know in her spirit that Jesus is her healer! Even though there is a heaviness all around her as her mom is sick and dying, I pray she would know in a deep way the she is healed in Jesus and that she would receive this truth deep inside. *the enemy is defeated! Remember that the enemy comes to kill steal and destroy, but Jesus came to give life and life abundantly!! *others I will write as I think of them...

Then, I saw Jesus laughing this amazing, deep, and full laugh (not a ha-ha kind of laugh) - a JOY filled laugh, one that celebrates victory - He laughed long and hard!

My little Margaret - receive your healing; the Bible says by His stripes you are healed. Jesus not only went to the cross to save us from our sin, but that we might also receive much from him: freedom, life, health, healing, hope, redemption, sanctification, justification, deliverance, love, joy, peace, patience... It is a long list because he loves us so much! Margaret, God is healing children and innocent adults (at least this is what I've seen) from HIV/AIDS! I know there are many people dying around you, but you have the choice to receive His healing, for you belong to him!

I'm going to celebrate this victory for I know you are healed by the power of the True Lord Jesus Christ! Receive it, change the way you think, proclaim the healing power of God alive in your life, body, mind, and spirit!

I love you and will see you in December! Bless you my child, momma deanna <><

Pastor Sammy – Please read this over and over to Margaret!!

God bless you and yours, deanna <><

The next day the report is that she is back at school with an appetite ;-) Praise the Lord!!

Friends reading this: 2 or 3 weeks later I was on the phone with Pastor Sammy, and this is what he said. I (with JOY) quote: "Margaret is greatly improved. She is well now, going to school. The Lord is working, the Lord has WORKED!!"

Indeed God is Good! Worthy of our worship! Praise the Lord!

Another month has passed – Margaret continues to improve – now playing with the other children – strength is returning!! To God be the Glory!! Great things he has DONE!! It is finished Jesus Christ has won it!!

January '08 – just returned from Kenya Margaret is doing wonderfully! Her skin is healthy! She is running and playing with the other children!

Praise the Lord! To God be the Glory!!

Betty...

My heart for Betty –

Betty is Pastor Sammy's sister. I have had opportunity to be around Betty twice, and only once did we really have a conversation. She had prepared a meal and served our team on both occasions, as we've been honored to accept invitation to Pastor Sammy's family home. I had been praying for her because there was some problem in her marriage, and she was not feeling well. Weeks passed, and I prayed. Then... In February, while in California, I opened an email that Pastor Sammy had sent. Betty's husband had not only been unfaithful, but he was already married to someone else. And Betty had tested HIV positive. There have been very few times in my life where I had felt so very burdened with compassion. In fact, this may have been the most heaviness I've ever felt. I walked outside, and I began to pray! There was incredible grief and compassion; the tears flowed, yet I knew the Healer. I began to cry out to God, but how do I pray? (If you know me, you know I ask this question a lot) I realized she was innocent. It was due to no sin of her own that she was infected with this disease, and I know that a curse without a cause cannot light. That became my prayer. I prayed it, and I claimed it until I felt the heaviness lift from me. When the peace came, I knew I was released to go on with my day! I wrote and shared this with Pastor Sammy and let him know that I'd alerted many others to pray. I know he told Betty, as well, that many were praying around the world. Betty grew so weak that she could not even get out of bed herself, but then she began to improve. And she continued to improve as her healing was claimed in Jesus Name!!

In July, during a showing of the Jesus Film on his family's land, Pastor Sammy helped me find her in the dark. I hugged my friend and wept with JOY!! God is a healing God! The next day she again served our team as we went for the Sunday meal after church!

God is healing !!

New Living Translation (NLT) Proverbs 26:2: 2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,? an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

Amplified Bible (AMP) Proverbs 26:2: 2Like the sparrow in her wandering, like the swallow in her flying, so the causeless curse does not alight.(A)

New International Version (NIV) Proverbs 26:2: 2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

The Message (MSG) Proverbs 26:2: 2 You have as little to fear from an undeserved curse as from the dart of a wren or the swoop of a swallow.

blog launch date - 11/11/07

Wow!! 11-07

Two years ago, I was wondering about this "word" from God...

"How 'bout an orphanage here?"

Where? Misri Slum, Limuru, Kenya, in June, 2005.

Honestly, I tried to squirm out of the thought; it was way to big for me!!!

To God be the Glory, for the great things He has done!!

Much praise to the Lord!!! Here are some highlights of the things He has done:

2006 Feburary – Our first contact with pastors in Kenya, with immediate confirmation of the need. We committed to pray "what and how?" March – Deanna received ideas on how to finance the project: pray and tell others, specifically realtors. April – Set up a non-profit corporation in the state of Colorado with 3 board members. May – Submitted the 501c3 paperwork. June – Received approval on the 501c3. July - trip to Kenya with 16 people. We prayed over the building Miracle house decided to rent, opened a bank account in Kenya, and applied for a Certificate of Society in Kenya. September – Opened September 11, 2006 – a day to remember!

2007 January – Deanna visits Miracle House and meets the children and staff! "Mum Deanna" is thrilled, for the joy of the Lord is in this place!! After a divine appointment with the Attorney General's office in Kenya, we have the certificate two weeks later!! February – Created and meet with the advisors to Miracle House for the first time. With many more invitations to share the vision, we began writing our first children's book, and through another divine appointment Deanna met the illustrator. Summit Daily News ran a great article on Miracle House. March – Vail Daily ran an article 10 days after the Summit Daily News. July – Trip to Kenya with 21 people. August – Pastor Sammy's first son, Christian Matthias, is born. September – Calvary Community Church has sponsors for our children and staff. Deanna shares at mission workshop and a ladies retreat October – Annual MH Board Meeting. Board increased from 3 to 8 members. November – Introduced the BLOG!

Let the stories be recorded...

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